'I'm ready' - Former Arsenal defender still waiting for next move after summer departure

The Portuguese defender left the club on a free transfer after four-years at the Emirates

Former Arsenal defender Cedric Soares has not given up hope of finding a new club despite his time with the Gunners coming to an end on June 30. The Portuguese full-back, who made 64 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners across four years, was released by Mikel Arteta earlier this year but insists 'he's ready' for his next challenge.

The 33-year-old is not hanging up his boots just yet and is still training with the view to joining a new club. Soares didn't rule out a return to the Portuguese top flight, having come through Sporting's youth set-up

"I continue to train every day," Soares told Record. "I’m ready to join any time. I feel good physically. Any time an interesting, competitive project comes along, which I also think is right for me and my family.

"Could we see Cédric in Portugal again? If the opportunity arises and it makes sense, yes. But I fought hard to have the career I’ve had. And I wanted to continue it in a competitive way and at a good level.

"And I think the Portuguese league has really grown a lot. It’s become a very interesting league. But as I said, it has to make sense. And a team that’s also open to it."

Despite coming through the ranks at Sporting, the former Arsenal defender did not rule out a move to one of their top flight rivals, with FC Porto and Benfica all competing for the Portuguese top flight title.

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"That question had to come up," he laughed. "Let’s spoil the interview. It was going well [laughs]. As I said, it’s a very interesting league. And I’m going to leave it at that."

Soares made 34 appearances for Portugal before calling time on his international career in 2021, while also making 138 appearances for Southampton. The Gunners signed the defender from the Saints in 2019 on a free transfer after his departure from St. Mary's.

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